Alex Pereira's surprising four-word update on next fight leaves fans utterly baffled: "Is the UFC against it?"

Alex Pereira's recent update on his next opponent didn't sit well with the MMA fans worldwide. Many took aim at Pereira, while others have speculated about the Brazilian's next move.

Given the current dynamic atop the light heavyweight division, Pereira was expected to take on Magomed Ankalaev next, but 'Poatan's' latest social media post suggests otherwise. In an X post, the reigning champion revealed that he will not fight Ankalaev after all, writing:

''It won’t be Ankalaev !''

Fans soon rushed to the comments section to share their reactions.

One fan wrote:

''Context? Is the UFC against it?''

Another one shared their theory, writing:

''He’s either saying Ankalaev won’t be the one to beat him or it’s most likely Aspinall vs Pereira and winner faces Jones''

Other fans wrote:

''Looks like this is the surprise @danawhite was talking about that we won’t expect?! Something insane is cookin I can tell''

''Either @AlexPereiraUFC is too scared to step up, or the @ufc is deliberately ducking @AnkalaevM from getting the title shot he deserves. No excuses, just action.''

Check out more reactions below:

Fan reactions [Screenshots courtesy: @AlexPereiraUFC on X]

Ankalaev has repeatedly targeted Pereira on social media, accusing the Brazilian of ducking him. Pereira is coming off a win over Khalil Rountree Jr., while Ankalaev faced Aleksander Rakic at UFC 308 and secured a unanimous decision win.

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Jan Blachowicz doubts Magomed Ankalaev's ability to defeat Alex Pereira

Jan Blachowicz recently shared his thoughts on a potential Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev matchup after having fought both of them. The former champion went the distance with both fighters, losing to Pereira in a three-rounder after coming away with a draw against Ankalaev in a title fight.

In a recent interview with Home of Fight, Blachowicz expressed skepticism over Ankalaev's chances against Pereira, saying:

''If Ankalaev will fight like last fight with [Aleksandar] Rakic, he's going to lose the fight. He needs to do something more. He needs to be like, I don't know, but - he is good fighter, but it's not enough for Pereira in this kind of style. He needs to change."

Check out Jan Blachowicz's comments below: